Gorham Resigns From School Board, Cites Frustration With Leadership; Sandstad Calls on Board Chair to Step Down

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth School Board Member Josh Gorham has resigned from his position effective immediately.

Gorham cites frustrations with administration and board leadership as reasons for his departure.

Josh Gorham

In a prepared statement to the media Gorham says his experience in striving to provide accountability to educational equality has been met with a “dismissive, maintain-the-status-quo approach” under the leadership of Superintendent Bill Gronseth and Board Chair Rose Loeffler-Kemp.

Gorham believes there is a lack of accountability and sense of urgency when it comes to improving graduation rates and student test scores and because of that he has chosen to focus on his well-being, family and career.

Gorham began serving on the school board in January 2018.

Per Minnesota Statute, the Duluth School Board may seek applicants for the vacancy and appoint an individual to hold the board seat.

A special school board election would be conducted in November 2020 to finish out Gorham’s term through January 2022.

“We appreciate Member Gorham’s service to Duluth’s students and schools and wish him the best as he leaves his position,” said Rosie Loeffler-Kemp, Duluth School Board Chairperson.

Superintendent Gronseth released the following statement about Gorham’s resignation:

Supt. Bill Gronseth

“I would like to thank Member Gorham for his service to the community and his passion for education. 

Being a School Board Member is a challenging position, with many complex issues to tackle. As someone with over 20 years working in public education, from the classroom to schools to a school district, I know how frustrating it can be to find out that there are no easy solutions and that gains come slowly and only after a lot of hard work. I encourage our School Board members, who care deeply about public education, to turn their focus back to the important work we’re all doing to help students succeed.”

School Board member Nora Sandstad also released a statement Wednesday afternoon regarding Gorham’s resignation writing:

Nora Sandstad

“I want to thank my colleague Josh Gorham for his selfless service to the students, staff and the Duluth Public Schools community. His thoughtful and values-based oversight was positive contribution to the board and will be missed. I encourage my fellow board members to carry forward Josh’s efforts to raise achievement and expectations for leadership.

To that end, I’m calling for Chair Loeffler-Kemp to step aside as board chair. As we move into this crucial superintendent search, we need board leadership that is transparent, forward-looking and inclusive.

I look forward to working with my colleagues and this diverse community to ensure we attract and engage a superintendent that will actively support the efforts of our excellent teachers and staff to ensure success for ALL of our students.”

Board Chair Rosie Loeffler-Kemp released the following statement later Wednesday evening:

Rosie Loeffler-Kemp

“I recognize this can be a difficult time with several issues in front of the School Board including a Superintendent Search, Boundary Study, and budget constraints.

Serving on the School Board the past six years, the District has moved forward with several achievements and initiatives: Spanish and Ojibwe Immersion Programs, Full Service Community Schools, expanding Career & Technical Education, Early Childhood Pre-K-Kindergarten programs, afterschool programs and more. Our District has more work remaining and we will continue to work towards meeting the needs of all students.

As a Board we are following the recommended process for filling the Superintendent’s position, as laid out at our July 22 MSBA/ Minnesota School Board Association workshop. As School Board chair I am committed to and assure you that the process will continue to be transparent, forward looking, and inclusive. I will continue to dedicate my time, work and heart – as I have for many years – to supporting efforts to help all of Duluth’s students succeed.”

School Board Member Jill Lofald released the following statement:

Jill Lofald

“I have been aware of Member Gorham’s struggles to balance his personal health, his beautiful family and his 40+ hour work week. That is the reality of others on the board as well.  I am thankful for his service and know that this was not an easy decision. Josh and I built a solid relationship over our near two years on the board by using each other as a springboard for the ideas and issues in our schools.

 

As a lifelong educator I have the experience of seeing the gains in the faces of students and staff every day. What might not appear in a test score or a graduation rate I have watched in our classrooms. I see firsthand what our staff and leaders are doing that will make a difference.  I also witness the many programs, staff, curriculum and initiatives the district is using in all our buildings. I don’t see anyone resting on their laurels and thinking we are doing enough.  We know there is much more work to be done.

My commitment to being on the School Board means that I spend time researching, reading, talking with other district leaders and school board members. This is not just a Duluth problem. The Achievement Gap, Opportunity Gap and/or Knowledge Gap is being felt all over the country. As a board member I think it is my job to educate myself and learn as much as I can to help lead our district to strong academic achievement for all.

Schools cannot do this alone.  We need our families, our non-profits organizations, medical, law enforcement, business and community.

I call on our board to not blame each other, we all want better. I know we can’t do it alone.  I know I don’t have all the answers. But I can show compassion for the hard work of everyone in the ISD709 family.”